The Good, The Bad, & The Healing

I sing because you sung
I tell stories because you told stories
I try new things because you tried new things
I create because you were creative
I dance because you danced
I am affectionate because I saw you be affectionate

I drank because you drank
I yelled because you yelled
I criticized myself because you have been critical of me
I have felt unloveable because you’ve withheld your love
I have shamed my daughter as you shamed yours
I have hurt as you have hurt

I have learned I’m not the sum of my experience 
I have chosen a different way
I love you and respect your journey
I honor myself by sharing my experience 
I support you with love and acceptance 
Your journey is equal to mine